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Bolin: Mavericks Run At Howard, Part II

Mark Cuban has had this plan in mind for a while now. His Dallas Mavericks puttered through a mediocre, precisely .500 season with a batch of mish-mash veterans on one-year deals and a horseshoe-luck crew of NBA newbies.

Also known as yet another roster of mild talent around which Dirk Nowitzki remains the centerpiece.

Never fear, Mavericks fan. Dwight Howard is on the way.

Maybe.

The frustration, or at least annoyance at the Mavericks’ season from the fan base was lukewarm. And rightfully. Cuban and Co. went heavy toward Metroplex native Deron Williams a year ago only to see him stay in New Jers, er, Brooklyn, and when it became evident not landing Williams meant they were out of the Howard sweepstakes, Cuban deftly went to Plan B of signing a bunch of potential veteran help to short-term deals, easy to cast aside if need be.

That leaves Nowitzki, Vince Carter, Jae Crowder and Shawn Marion (assuming he picks up his player option as is expected) and a boatload of cash. Enough dough to offer Howard a 4-year, $88-million dollar deal and finally give Nowitzki another superstar to help.

Dallas is hardly the only team clearing resources to Howard a deal he can’t refuse. Houston and Golden State are also seen a primo landing spots for the man once glowingly referred to as Superman.

But no one has seen their persona take as much a hit in the public eye as Howard over the last 18 months. Fans went from sympathizing his plight in the wasteland that is Orlando, to wondering whether he’s the reason the Magic were in that predicament to begin with, to now, out and out impugning from a heavy assortment of fans inside and outside Los Angeles, where he landed for one less-than-expected output of a season.

There are fans and front office people alike who question whether Howard has the skill, attitude and character to be an elite player capable of strengthening a team for a championship run. And there are those who think he simply needs a support system and his game will revert back to 2009 form.

Count the Mavericks among the latter.

Cuban and Nowitzki are among the Mavericks leaders meeting with Howard, and others, Cuban said, today in Los Angeles. The hope is the green bait and promise of playing with one of the NBA’s most elite talents will be enough get Howard on-board. But unlike last year, there’s no Plan B evident. Cuban said he’s not going to miss out on other players while waiting for Howard’s response.

With potential difference-makers Chauncey Billups and Matt Barnes in the same town, the wheels are official turning for Mavericks offseason plans.